Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has returned to Venezuela after nearly a year in exile, announcing her arrival on social media. Her return follows a complex period of US-Venezuela relations and Machado's barred candidacy in the 2024 presidential election.
Machado's Return and Arrival
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado returned to her home country on Sunday, October 25, after nearly a year in exile, announcing her arrival with a post on social media platform X that read: 'I'm here. With you all.'
Machado appeared at a church in Lara state, where supporters gathered to sing the national anthem and greet her, according to images shared by her press team and witnesses. She departed in an SUV and is traveling overland to Caracas, her team confirmed. The route and method of her return were not disclosed, though reports indicated she may have entered Venezuela via a private flight from Panama to Colombia before crossing the border by land.
Strained US-Venezuela Relations and Previous Attempts
The return follows multiple failed attempts by Machado to re-enter Venezuela, which had strained her relationship with the Trump administration. US officials had asked her at least once to delay her return, according to reporting from Reuters in June. The administration has since expressed support for interim President Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro’s former deputy, who was installed after Nicolas Maduro was removed from power in January.
Trump's Stance on Venezuela
During a White House press briefing on Sunday, US President Donald Trump stated he was unaware of Machado’s return but expressed confidence in the current trajectory of US-Venezuela relations. 'She’s a very nice woman,' Trump said. 'But we’re doing really well in Venezuela.' He reiterated that 'it was too soon to consider democratic elections' in the country.
Trump has repeatedly praised Rodriguez’s leadership and highlighted oil production deals signed between US companies and Venezuela. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement regarding Machado’s return, though the full text was not provided in the sources.
Machado's Political Role and Future Plans
Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, was barred from running in Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election by Maduro’s government, which accused her of fraud and tax violations—charges she has called ideologically motivated. Her ally, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, ran in her place and was widely believed to have won the election, though Maduro was declared the victor amid allegations of fraud.
Machado has previously stated she would run for president again if elections were held. Her return comes as she seeks to reconnect with supporters and address the aftermath of a June earthquake that killed at least 6,500 people. Her team did not disclose her immediate plans upon arrival.
International Reactions and Context
The Trump administration’s backing of Rodriguez has included energy sector agreements, with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright overseeing a signing ceremony for expanded projects last month. Meanwhile, Maduro has been indicted in the US on charges including narcoterrorism.
Machado’s arrival follows her secret departure from Venezuela in late 2025 to accept the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway. Her return marks a potential shift in Venezuela’s political landscape, though the long-term implications remain uncertain amid ongoing US involvement and Rodriguez’s interim leadership.